Mental health and wellbeing

Get top tips and coping strategies and hear from other young people with epilepsy about how they are supporting their mental health wellbeing.

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As a young person with epilepsy, you may face challenges your peers don’t, like managing seizures, sticking to medication routines, and transitioning from paediatric to adult care, all while navigating everyday life.

Epilepsy can bring added anxiety and emotions, affecting your mood, quality of life, and relationships. It can also impact your physical health and self-care.

If you're struggling with your mental health, remember you're not alone, and help is available. In this section, we explore why you might feel this way and how to get support.

young woman with red hair looking at the camera — Young people discuss the impact of epilepsy on their mental health

How are you feeling?

I am feeling

Anxiety

Anxiety is common emotion that many people experience, from mild to more severe forms. And it’s ok to feel anxious, especially during times of stress.

Depression

Depression effects on average 1 in 6 people in the UK. If you have epilepsy this is 1 in 3. Everyone feels sad from time to time, but a constant low mood shouldn’t be ignored.

Isolation

Isolation is a word we may associate with being physically alone, but you can feel isolated in a room full of people. As a young person with epilepsy, isolation is a feeling you may know well.

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed is an emotion that can cause physical strain during difficult times. It can make you feel like there’s not enough hours in the day, like you have too much to cope with.

Self-Worth

Self-worth is how you value yourself, it’s also easily bruised, because it can be the hardest thing to protect.

Are you struggling to cope?

For anyone struggling with their mental health, we have partnered with SHOUT, a FREE 24/7 confidential text service.

To start a conversation Text PURPLE to 85258

Find out more